2022 is beginning in more ways than one. The New Moon (Jan 2nd 10:35 am PST) arrives while we’re still sweeping up the confetti and hauling our empties to the recycling.
It’s unusual for the lunar cycle to start right alongside the calendar year.
Everything is possible
This double emphasis signifies a growth spasm: we are being quickened, like a fetus in the womb. Everything lies ahead, everything is possible. The future is packed into a tiny pellet we’re holding in our hand.
The first moment of any cycle is packed with undiluted potential. Our first breath establishes our whole birth chart; the first moment of any period is its big bang. The entirety of a cycle’s meaning is concentrated into a tight little nugget.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force. — Hermann Hesse
Every month, the New Moon — the acorn of the lunar cycle — is full to bursting with the power of the month ahead. Every year, the first moments of Gregorian calendar – the acorn of the 12 months to come — contain the genetic code for a mighty oak of a year. Maybe you can feel the power, right now, of these two cycles
beginning together.
It’s our moment to get ourselves as clear and sharp as we can be.
The big three
The outer planets see a lot of action in January.
Mars squares Neptune on the 11th, pitting the crusading idealism of fire against the immersive utopianism of water.
Ordinarily, Mars in Sagittarius (until the 24th) feels quite certain of its rectitude. The ego is invested in being on the right side of history. Neptune, meanwhile, represents the sweet chaos of Life, looming enigmatically in the background. The collision of the two tests reveals the limits of willpower. Its bold moves, which are bound to falter, slipping like a reckless runner on ice.
The Sun and Mercury both provoke Pluto during the latter half of the month (1/15-16 and 1/28) into showing us the power that accompanies breakdown: the energy released when things rot. Hidden decay may express itself now, the better to be diagnosed and dealt with.
Uranus, too, has a couple of starring moments this month, especially around the time of its direct station on the 18th. This will be the last hurrah of the Saturn-Uranus square (see December’s SkyWatch), now separating.
It will become clear whether we’ve broken free enough to satisfy the god of independence. And whether we’ve done so responsibly enough to satisfy the god of accountability.
Best foot forward
Whatever we do with these transits, let us do with care. The awareness we bring to this month sets the tone for the whole year ahead.
